Prince Yahya
Attributed to Muhammad Hasan
Arts of the Islamic World
On View: Arts of the Islamic World, 2nd floor
About this Brooklyn Icon
The Brooklyn Museum is commemorating its 200th anniversary by spotlighting 200 standout objects in its encyclopedic collection.
Within the Brooklyn Museum’s strong collection of Qajar paintings, this 1830s portrait stands out as exceptional for its quality, royal subject matter, and lessons in art as a tool of power. The oil painting features a teenage Prince Yahya, the 43rd son of Fath 'Ali Shah, second ruler of Iran’s Qajar dynasty. The prince, who also served as the governor of Gilan Province, is depicted wearing pearl-embroidered regalia and holding a jewel-studded crown and sword, a display of his authority. He is surrounded by luxury goods—including a European-style pocket watch—signaling the royal court’s wealth and interactions with European economic and political spheres.
Oil painting and life-size portraiture had become prominent in 18th-century Iran as its diplomatic relations with Europe deepened. While remaining rooted in long-standing traditions of Persian figural painting, emerging artistic practices expanded the bounds of art history in the Islamic world. This portrait would have been displayed among other works commissioned by the shah, signaling the Qajar royal court’s opulence, transnational reach, and intergenerational dynastic might.
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Gallery Label
Worried about the longevity of the Qajar dynasty, Fath 'Ali Shah had numerous children. This painting, attributed to Muhammad Hasan (active 1808-40), is inscribed with the name and title (Shahzada Navvab Mirza Yahya) of one of the Shah's sons who became a governor of the Gilan province at a young age. Although this portrait emphasizes his youthful appearance, his jeweled crown, medallion with the lion and sun (symbols established by his father), dagger, and sword project an image of the prince as a capable heir to the Qajar throne. The pocket watch in the foreground possibly alludes to the time of his appointment as governor at an auspicious hour determined by court astrologers.
The Brooklyn Museum is commemorating its 200th anniversary by spotlighting 200 standout objects in its encyclopedic collection.
Within the Brooklyn Museum’s strong collection of Qajar paintings, this 1830s portrait stands out as exceptional for its quality, royal subject matter, and lessons in art as a tool of power. The oil painting features a teenage Prince Yahya, the 43rd son of Fath 'Ali Shah, second ruler of Iran’s Qajar dynasty. The prince, who also served as the governor of Gilan Province, is depicted wearing pearl-embroidered regalia and holding a jewel-studded crown and sword, a display of his authority. He is surrounded by luxury goods—including a European-style pocket watch—signaling the royal court’s wealth and interactions with European economic and political spheres.
Oil painting and life-size portraiture had become prominent in 18th-century Iran as its diplomatic relations with Europe deepened. While remaining rooted in long-standing traditions of Persian figural painting, emerging artistic practices expanded the bounds of art history in the Islamic world. This portrait would have been displayed among other works commissioned by the shah, signaling the Qajar royal court’s opulence, transnational reach, and intergenerational dynastic might.
***
Gallery Label
Worried about the longevity of the Qajar dynasty, Fath 'Ali Shah had numerous children. This painting, attributed to Muhammad Hasan (active 1808-40), is inscribed with the name and title (Shahzada Navvab Mirza Yahya) of one of the Shah's sons who became a governor of the Gilan province at a young age. Although this portrait emphasizes his youthful appearance, his jeweled crown, medallion with the lion and sun (symbols established by his father), dagger, and sword project an image of the prince as a capable heir to the Qajar throne. The pocket watch in the foreground possibly alludes to the time of his appointment as governor at an auspicious hour determined by court astrologers.
MEDIUM
Oil on canvas
DATES
ca. 1830s
DYNASTY
Qajar
PERIOD
Qajar Period
DIMENSIONS
70 1/2 x 38 x 2.25 in.
frame: 70 1/2 x 38 x 2 1/4 in. (179.1 x 96.5 x 5.7 cm) (show scale)
INSCRIPTIONS
Inscription in Persian nasta'liq script within cartouche, upper left corner: "Shahzadeh Navvab Yahya Mirza" (His Highness Prince Yahya)"
COLLECTIONS
Arts of the Islamic World
ACCESSION NUMBER
72.26.5
CREDIT LINE
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles K. Wilkinson
PROVENANCE
Prior to 1972, provenance not yet documented; by 1972, acquired by Charles K. Wilkinson and Irma Bezold Wilkinson (Mrs. Charles K. Wilkinson) of New York, NY; March 21, 1972, gift of Charles K. Wilkinson and Irma Bezold Wilkinson to the Brooklyn Museum.
Provenance FAQ
EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is on view in Arts of the Islamic World, 2nd floor
CAPTION
Attributed to Muhammad Hasan (Persian, active 1808â1840). Prince Yahya, ca. 1830s. Oil on canvas, 70 1/2 x 38 x 2.25 in. . Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles K. Wilkinson, 72.26.5 (Photo: , 72.26.5_PS11.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 72.26.5_PS11.jpg., 2017
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
No known copyright restrictions
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